AUSTRALIA. Brisbane Airport is teaming up with TravelbyBit to introduce a digital currency experience to its terminal shopping.
Travellers will soon be able to use TravelbyBit’s cryptocurrency payment system, including Bitcoin, Dash, Ethereum and other digital currencies, to dine and shop. The participating stores and restaurants include Botanist, Spoon, Windmill & Co., and Forte Espresso, nine awpl stores such as Australian Way, Merino Collection, Carry On, Dreamtime Journey and multiple News Travels across both terminals.
Digital currency payments keep the user’s personal identity private and eliminate third-party interference, allowing for very low transaction fees, exchange rates, and transfer time.
Brisbane Airport said the partnership reinforces its aim to promote community projects, support local businesses, improve the passenger experience, and become a leader in the airport digital innovation space.
Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) General Manager Strategic Planning and Development Roel Hellemons said: “Many people around the world have made money investing in cryptocurrencies and a lot of these people travel internationally, so it makes sense to offer a digital currency experience within our terminals.
“We’re also proud to be the first airport in the world to achieve this in partnership with a small local start-up business such as TravelbyBit, whose pioneering thinking is drawing attention to Brisbane as a serious breeding ground of innovative thinking.
“This is just the beginning for us as we hope to expand the digital currency option across the business, so watch this space.”
awpl Managing Director Costa Kouros said: “awpl is a proud partner of Brisbane Airport and a strong supporter of the innovation in customer experience driven by BAC. We are excited to be a launch merchant in the world’s first digital currency friendly airport.”
TravelbyBit has built a network of merchants throughout Brisbane who take payments in digital currencies, including airport transport companies and luxury hotels in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. More than 20 merchants in the area now take digital currency payments.
“This is just the beginning for us as we hope to expand the digital currency option across the business, so watch this space” – Roel Hellemons
TravelbyBit CEO Caleb Yeoh said: “We are building a genuine use case for cryptocurrencies in the tourism industry. The application of digital currencies in this sector makes a lot of sense.
“Whenever you travel overseas you have to deal with multiple currencies and you never know what exchange rates the banks are charging you. Here at TravelbyBit we are promoting the Bitcoin travel movement. Digital currency for worldwide travel. It’s simple, safe and there are no bank fees.”
